Key Takeaways
- India ranked 3rd in Asia Power Index 2025, behind only US and China
- Country upgraded from “middle power” to “major power” status
- Military gains attributed to successful Operation Sindoor
- Pakistan ranked 16th, outside top ten Asian powers
India has achieved a significant geopolitical milestone, securing “major power” status and third position in the 2025 Asia Power Index rankings. The nation now stands behind only the United States and China in Asian power dynamics, marking a substantial rise in its global standing.
Asia Power Rankings 2025
The annual index by Australia’s Lowy Institute measures resources and influence across Asian nations. The comprehensive power rankings for 2025 place United States first (80.40 points), China second (73.5 points), and India third with 40 points.
Other top five positions are held by Japan and Russia. While the US maintains its leading position, the report notes a significant decline in American power since the index began in 2018.
India’s Power Trajectory
India’s score increased by 0.9 points in 2025, widening its lead over Japan. The country has crossed the threshold from “middle power” status (38.1 points in 2024) to achieve “major power” classification.
The index notes India stands at the brink of military superpower status if it crosses the 40-point mark. This represents the first time India has risen in economic relationship rankings since the index’s inception.
“India’s economic and military capabilities have both increased in the 2025 edition of the Asia Power Index. Its economy has continued to grow strongly and made small gains in terms of its geopolitical relevance — defined in terms of international leverage, connectivity, and technology. India’s military capability has also improved steadily.” – Lowy Institute report
Operation Sindoor Impact
The index specifically credits Operation Sindoor for boosting India’s military capabilities. Launched on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people (mostly tourists), the operation involved precision strikes against nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“For the most part, these gains were from improved expert appraisals of its capability, which were likely influenced by India’s performance in Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which added to India’s recent combat experience.” – Lowy Institute
The report acknowledges remaining gaps between India’s ambitions and its actual influence, particularly compared to China. Meanwhile, Pakistan ranked 16th in the index, failing to make the top ten Asian powers.
